Field trips are one of the most important activities of the Society and participation is the best way to increase one’s knowledge of local plants. Most of the trips are for general study and monitoring of the flora and ecology of an area. Other trips are led by individuals who specialize in certain groups of plants and their trips are planned accordingly. While most trips emphasize plant study, other aspects of natural history and cultural heritage are not neglected. Trip participants are always free to ask questions about anything of interest they see. The leader or other members of the group can often supply an answer.
The location may be any place of botanic interest which is usually within 50 miles of New York City. We are not a hiking club and walking distances are usually not great. Those who come on the field trips are urged to participate in the Society’s other activities as well. The phone numbers and e-mail addresses (when available) of each leader are given at the end of each trip description. Trips generally go rain or shine; if in doubt, check the website or contact the leader. Some trips are reachable only by automobile. Those in need of rides and those who are offering rides should post and check for messages on Torrey Botanical Society’s Facebook and Twitter sites or contact the trip leader. Those who use public transportation are advised to check updated schedules in advance. Interested guests and non-members are always welcome on field trips.
Upcoming Field Trips
The City Nature Challenge is an annual, global effort to document urban biodiversity using the iNaturalist platform. The goal is to observe as many species as possible from Friday, April 26 to Monday, April 29. We are hosting three field trips during this observation period:
City Nature Challenge – Ocean Breeze Park
Saturday, April 27 – 10:30 am-12:30pm
Location: Ocean Breeze Park, Staten Island
Trip Leader: Zihao Wang
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocean-breeze-park-city-nature-challenge-2024-tickets-882448526297
Description: Ocean Breeze Park is a large park containing a mosaic of coastal grasslands and freshwater marsh, both of which are uncommon in New York City. Join us for a nature walk in the park to participate in the City Nature Challenge and observe as many species as possible.
Meeting Location: In front of the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex (GPS coordinates: 40.582932, -74.074140)
Transit Directions: From lower Manhattan, take the SIM1C/SIM3C/SIM33C to Narrows Rd North/Fingerboard Rd and transfer to the S51/S52 to Father Capodanno Blvd/Delaware Rd.
City Nature Challenge – Calvert Vaux Park
Sunday, April 28 – 9:30-11:30am
Location: Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn
Trip Leader: Zihao Wang
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/calvert-vaux-park-city-nature-challenge-2024-tickets-882184015137
Description: Calvert Vaux Park is a hotspot for migrating birds and interesting plants such as Sclerochloa dura, Setaria parviflora, and Glyceria declinata. Uncommon lichens have also been found on the trees planted here. Join us for a nature walk in the park to participate in the City Nature Challenge and observe as many species as possible.
Meeting Location: Northeast corner of the parking lot in Calvert Vaux Park, near Shore Parkway and across Belt Parkway from Bay 48th Street. (GPS coordinates: 40.585659, -73.991003)
Transit Directions: From lower Manhattan, take the X28 bus to the Cropsey Av/Bay 44 St stop, an 8 minute walk from the meeting point. Or, take the D train to the Bay 50th St stop, a 20 minute walk from the meeting point.
City Nature Challenge – Riverdale Park
Monday, April 29 – 1-3pm
Location: Riverdale Park, the Bronx
Trip Leader: Lydia Paradiso
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riverdale-park-city-nature-challenge-2024-tickets-880893154137
Description: Join us for a nature walk through Riverdale Park to get in some final observations on the last day of the observation period. We will meet at the northern entrance to the park and make our way throughout the park, ending in the Raoul Wallenberg Forest near 232nd street.
Meeting Location: Park entrance near 750 W 254th Street.
Check back soon for more details on upcoming field trips, or become a member to receive updates via email!
Field trip leaders are asked to complete and submit a field trip reporting form which includes vegetation lists and notes on any new or unusual plants or vegetation types to the Field Chair, Simon Verlynde. These trip reports, when submitted, will be made available as a year end field trip summary publication.
Please click on the link to access the field trip reporting form:
TBS Field Trip Instructions
Past Field Season Reviews: TBS 2016 Field Review & TBS 2017 Field Review